My KMMS Package

Kooky Kay of Simple Pleasures is hosting KMMS (Kay's Monthly Mini Swap). She started this great swap activity last January 2007.

I joined the January KMMS and the theme was Foodies. The object of the swap was to put together several items related to food and mail it to your partner (name provided by Kay). My partner for the January KMMS was Graymama of The Beauty of Gray.

For the swap, I sent her the following ...

crocheted coaster/mini doilies, coaster made from capiz shells, keychain, chopsticks, ornamental spoon & fork and a friendship bracelet.

When Graymama received my package, she e-mailed me a sweet thank you. Hope she doesn't mind me sharing a part of her kind note that warmed my heart ...

Your package arrived today :-) I could not have asked for a better
Valentine's Day gift!!! I LOVE everything!!!! The bracelet and
note were a special little extra that I will wear every day and think of you
:-)

I was glad she liked what I sent her and I was really touched by her sweet and kind thoughts.

Today, I received the package from Graymama and I'm very happy to receive all these wonderful things. She sent me the following ...

a wonderful hardbound Pizza recipe book, a nice dish towel with different herbs design, a set of cute recipe postcards and a beautiful knitted dish cloth.

A note for my sweet and kind partner ...

Thank you very much Graymama for your thoughtfulness. My husband and I are excited to try the pizza recipes. We love eating pizza and how nice that you sent us this great recipe book. Upon reading your blog, I learned that you have a passion for knitting and I happily assume that you knitted the beautiful green dish cloth. I like the recipe postcards. It's a wonderful way to share my favorite recipes to family and friends. I love the different herbs printed on the dish towel. It reminded me of the herb garden that my husband has always wanted.

The new swap theme for the month is Post Cards. Would you like to join this month's KMMS? Drop by at Kooky Kay's Simple Pleasures to find out more. Enjoy!

Roses for Grandma

My mother-in-law was discharged from the hospital a week ago and she's back in her home recuperating. She still feels weak but hopefully the medicines will bring back her strength.

Yohan visited his grandma and gave her some roses to brighten her day. Yohan was in high spirits as usual, cheering his grandma with his hyperactive moves.

Yohan noticed the alarm clock and asked permission to hold it. He said he was going to use it to wake up Mama Norma. I explained that his grandma was already awake. He doesn't seem contented with my answer. He said if she was really awake, then why doesn't she stand up. I realized that Yohan hasn't seen his grandma like that before. She was always outside ready to welcome Yohan's arrival. This time she was just lying in bed and doesn't have the strength to go outside and play with him. It's sad seeing her that way. I pray that she can regain her strength soon and be her normal, jolly self again.

Splish Splash!

Summer is starting to knock on the door. I can already feel its heat slowly making its presence. The best way to welcome the summer is to have a refreshing swim. We were in luck, Tito (Uncle) Greg and Tita (Aunt) Tammi invited us and the rest of Jules' family for a weekend family get together. They rented a private pool at Pansol, Laguna.

We had a marvelous time especially my lil' boy Yohan. He had a great time splish splashing in the water, playing water guns with his cousins Tisha and Dee-Dee, riding his inflatable turtle and playing billiards with his Dad. He had so much fun that he got tired in the afternoon and had a long, peaceful nap in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Jules and I took advantage of our son napping and enjoyed chatting and eating snacks with the rest of the family.

With summer setting in fast, I think I'll need a new rash guard (swim shirt). Yohan and I both have blue rash guards which I bought last year. I would love to get a new one this year. Something with a pink touch would be nice. :)

Thanks for the treat Tito Greg and Tita Tammi.

Monday Madness

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A message from Otto: Sorry, folks! I'm running a bit late (again)! Hope all is well and you all have a wonderful week. Thanks for playing Monday Madness. The following 2 questions come from our friend, tricia... Thanks, Tricia, and thanks for the idea!

1. Do you ever use all caps when typing online messages?
No, I don't. I wouldn't want to be misunderstood in any way.

2. Does it bother you when other people use all caps in their messages?
It does especially if I don't know the person too well.

3. Do you use abbreviations (i.e. lol, brb, etc.) when typing email messages or text messages?
I use a few like lol, brb and btw in instant (IM) and text messaging but not in email.

4. Do you ever receive faxes or other correspondence from a professional office that are typed in all caps? If so, what do you think of that?
No, I haven't. If I did, I would have to think that the person was trying to deliver a strong message of some sort.

5. Do you rely on the computer program to catch your typing errors, or do you proofread your material before sending it out?
I proofread my material before sending it out, however, there are times when I overlook certain mistakes.

Photo Hunt :: Soft

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I love soft cuddly bears. I got these these cute lil' ones at McDonald's a few months ago.

I might be a little late on my visits because we're off to a resort. Summer is finally here! :)

But I promise to visit your hunt as soon as I get back from our day trip.

Happy weekend!

Friday's Feast #11

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Feast One Hundred & Thirty Two

Appetizer
Where on your body do you have a scar, and what caused it?
A faint letter "C" on my right leg. When I was around 8 years old or so, I didn't realize I was standing very near the car exhaust and got minor burns.

Soup
What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?
I was hit by a jeep when I was in my early teens. People who saw the accident thought I had severe injuries but it was only a minor one. I did not even need casting. My whole leg was bandaged for two weeks. I was fine after that. I did not require any physical therapy of any sort. Just a few follow up check-ups at the doctor.

Salad
Name a television personality who really gets on your nerves.
No one in particular.

Main Course
What was a funny word you said as a child (such as "pasketti" for "spaghetti")?
My mom once saw my grandfather (my father's dad) on his knees looking for something under the sofa. My mom asked what he was looking for and my grandfather said he had no idea but apparently there was something I wanted from under the sofa because I kept saying "Pik Ma Mo. He was thinking there was a toy under the sofa. My mom laughed and said, that it meant "Pikit mo mata mo." (translated: Close your eyes.) Sorry I guess that was more than one word but it's the first thing that came into my mind.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have always thought life was a fairytale waiting to be unfolded. I'm a romantic at heart and I still believe in fairytales.

Cinemas Apart

Jules and I went to the movies last Wednesday. My heart was set on Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore but he wanted Ghost Rider starring Nicholas Cage.

I suggested we just go ahead and watch the movies we wanted.

Separate cinemas!?

It felt weird but I thought why let one sacrifice. So Jules bought two tickets ... one for Music and Lyrics and the other for Ghost Rider. It was the first time we've ever done such a thing.

I wonder, is it a bad sign for a married couple?

It felt weird going inside different cinemas. No familiar seatmate, no one to hold my hand during the romantic scenes and nobody there to share my popcorn with. But you know what, we both went out of the theatre contented 'coz we were able to watch the movies that we wanted. I loved Music and Lyrics and he enjoyed Ghost Rider. Yet, we both agreed each movie would have been better if we watched it together.

The ending? We agreed not to go to separate cinemas again.

Better than Strawberries N' Cream

I found my much coveted Grey's Anatomy Season 3 dvd. It's just 7 episodes but that's enough to make me truly happy. I actually forgot about blogging because of this. I have to say, it's 100x better than strawberries n' cream. I finished watching those exciting episodes and I'm longing for more.

Tagged :: 5 Reasons Why I Blog

I was tagged by Yvonne Russel of Grow Your Writing Business to share 5 reasons why I blog. I was moved by the way she introduced me on her blog. Reading myself referred to as someone with a beautiful spirit certainly warmed my heart. Thank you for your kind words Yvonne.

5 Reasons Why I Blog

1. Daily Reflection - I enjoy writing on my blog. I love writing anything that moves me. Topics ranging from serious to funny, from significant to trivial, from inspirational to ordinary, from simple to complex, from happy to sad, from objective to sentimental and so on.
2. Network of Friends - I love meeting new and interesting people through blogging. It's nice to share things with people from all walks of life. I love the interaction and the joy of knowing that someone appreciates my writing by leaving kind words.
3. Discoveries - It's wonderful to learn new things each day. I'm fascinated with the diversity of cultures and how we can be alike and different in so many ways.
4. Self Expression - I'm happy when I blog. I simply enjoy expressing myself freely. I love being able to write as I please. It's cathartic to write and simply let go.
5. Memories For Keeps - Keeping an online journal is like putting your memories inside a special treasure box. I put my thoughts and feelings inside this box, thinking I could open it anytime to retrieve my treasures. I also hope of sharing my memories with family and friends.

I won't be tagging anyone but I would like to invite my readers to try this meme. Let me know if you do. Thanks! I also posted a similar meme last month called What Blogging Has Done For Me.

Fun Shots

We had fun trying the 'digital photo cubicle' you usually find at the mall. We enjoyed experimenting with frames and digital effects. There was even a wind effect 'coz we felt wind blowing across our faces. I wonder what they would think of next.

We practiced posing for the camera. Problem was, there were several cameras and we didn't really know where to focus. ha! ha! At least the first shot went well. We thought of exchanging places and we didn't realize I was out of frame. Oh well, it was still a nice shot anyway.

Monday Madness

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From sleeping mermaid:
If you could rewrite one pivotal moment in history, good or bad, to make a change, which moment would that be AND what are some of the consequences that you believe might come from that change?
It's a good question but to be honest, I'm too afraid to risk changing anything in history. I don't want to risk upsetting the balance. Besides, I don't want to risk changing my fate and not meeting my husband. I'd be devastated if I lose the chance of building the family I have now.

From beth:
What's the most unusual hobby you have? How did you get started with it?
It's not unusual but my latest hobby is blogging. I eagerly check my new comments and visit some of my favorite blogs the first chance I get in the morning. I also take time to read more blogs before I turn in for bed. I started blogging regularly middle of last year and I've been hooked since then.

From shelly:
Name one thing for each of the following:
Favorite smell - Freshly baked Cinnamon buns
Favorite texture - Satin sheets
Favorite view - City lights from afar
Favorite sound - Yohan's (my son) voice
Favorite taste - Blueberry cheesecake

Meet Yuki

Someone new is here,Excitement in the air.She's really cute,Everyone agrees.
Coat as white as snow,
Small and gentle eyes.
Cute and quite tiny,
she fits in my palm.

Here comes two other,
So eager to touch.
Be careful,
use gentle hands.

Hop ... Hop ...
Where you going?
Ask two curious ones,
They follow her.

She stops nearby,
To take a nibble.
Curious eyes want to see,
As she quietly chews the greens.

Do you want to know her name?
She's Yuki, Japanese for snow.
A name so befitting,
For a cute fluffy bunny.

Yohan's cousin, Dee-Dee brought her new baby rabbit for everyone to see. Yohan and Tisha were very excited. It was Yohan's first time to see and hold a real rabbit. He was very curious and eager to carry the little bunny. I had to tell him to refrain from carrying the baby rabbit because it might get hurt. I explained that it's very young and fragile. After a while, Yohan was contented to see it hop happily on the grass.

Get Well Soon Mom Norma

When You're Not Here

When you are ill,
our sun goes under a cloud.
Your presence in our lives
is such a bright joy
that everything seems in shadow
when you're not here.
When you aren't feeling well,
we feel the lack
of your glowing energy
and contagious vitality.
When you are sick
we feel incomplete,
like a jigsaw puzzle
with a missing piece;
Please rest,
take good care of yourself,
and feel better.
We miss you
and want you back.

Get well soon.

By Joanna Fuchs
source

Get well soon to my mother-in-law, Mom Norma. She's not suffering from aneurysm as earlier feared but her old hyperthyroidism is acting up again and causing her some pain. She is at the hospital for further observation. The whole family is praying for her quick recovery.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

We welcomed the Year of the Pig by sharing a simple meal. Jules cooked two kinds of spaghetti (symbols of longevity) - pesto and sun dried tomatoes. We had tikoy (symbol of unity), sweets like fruit salad, leche flan, chocolates (symbols of sweet relationship) and different kinds of fruits (symbols of prosperity). All the fruits on the table were in pairs because according to Chinese belief, good luck will come in double. Fresh flowers symbolize a fresh and new beginning.

From my family to yours, we want to wish you good health, happiness, success, prosperity and longevity.

Photo Hunt :: Antique

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This diamong ring was given by my grandmother to my mother. My mother gave it to me when I was in high school.

Tips for 2007 Chinese New Year

Many Filipinos love celebrating Chinese New Year including us. We love the idea of following traditions to invite good luck to our homes and driving away negative energies.

Jules and I were buying things for the coming Chinese New Year and the owner of our favorite Chinese store handed us a paper containing the guidelines for the coming New Year. Let me share them with you.

Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 18, 2007, Year of the Pig.

TIPS FOR 2007 CHINESE NEW YEAR (to be done starting on the Eve of Chinese New Year)

1. Place 8 or 88 pcs. of coins, rice, candies or chocolates and garlic inside a Wealth Bowl. It will attract good luck and wealth to your home.

I already prepared our Wealth Bowl ...

2. Prepare 8 ampao or chinese envelopes cointaining money (bills or coins). Give it to children or single people.

3. Put fresh flowers on the table.

4. Prepare fruits and tikoy (round sticky cakes that symbolizes unity) on the dining table.

We already bought tikoy and a few fruits (always in pairs so the goodluck will come in double). Jules will buy more fruits later today. See those cute miniature pineapples and golden pigs? I will give them away to our family.

5. Put a "Lucky Pig" facing the front door. Let it stand on coins.

6. Light 8 pcs. of incense and go bring it around the inner and outer parts of the house to drive away negative energies from the home. Do not forget the corners and under the furniture.

Aside from incense, we also bought Chinese Wishing Paper. It's where you write all your wishes. You burn the paper on the Eve of Chinese New Year and hope that your wishes will come true.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!!!

Friday's Feast #10

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Feast One Hundred & Thirty One

Appetizer
What sound, other than the normal ringing, would you like your telephone to make?
I love my current ring tone which is Julia Fordham's Love Moves in Mysterious Ways.

Soup
Describe your usual disposition in meteorological terms (partly cloudy, sunny, stormy, etc.).
I would say sunny with short rainshowers. I feel blessed but like any other normal person, I have my own share of problems, doubts and fears but through the help of my loved ones and constant prayers, I am able to overcome them.

Salad
What specific subject do you feel you know better than any other subjects?
This is a tough one. I don't think I can name a specific subject but I would say that I'm always open to learning new ideas. My knowledge about things keep evolving.

Main Course
Imagine you were given the ability to remember everything you read for one entire day. Which books/magazines/newspapers would you choose to read?
Probably the encyclopedia to cover a wide range of topics.

Dessert
If a popular candy maker contacted you to create their next confection, what would it be like and what would you name it?
I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups so I would probably create a better version of it and I would call it Yohan's PBB (short for Peanut Butter Blessings). It would be wonderful to have a chocolate named after my son.

Tagged :: 5 Things I Haven't Mentioned Before

I have been tagged by Tisha of Crazy Working Mom. The purpose of this Meme is to write about 5 things that you have not previously revealed on your blog.

5 Things I Haven't Mentioned Before:

1. When I was in grade school, I excelled in arts. I joined lots of art contests. I won a gold award at a Children's Art Exhibit held in Japan. Well, I wasn't able to go to Japan personally but my drawing was sent there by my school and I won.
2. Back in grade school, I got a high grade in my crocheting class (for Work Education) without learning the proper crochet techniques. How? My mom did my project for me. :P
3. I don't like hamsters because when I was a little girl, my cousin's hamster bit my finger.
4. I used to smoke and drink back in College. Now, I don't smoke anymore and I just limit myself to a few social drinks during special occasions. I love frozen margarita.
5. I'm turning 34 this coming March 29. :)

I'm breaking the rules a little by not tagging anyone. Instead, I would like to invite others to share 5 things they haven't mentioned in their blog before. Let me know when you do.

updated: 2/16/2007

Thank you everyone for your comments. I wish I could show you my artwork but The Children's Art Exhibit never sent it back. I still remember the theme of my drawing: It was a drawing of a lake with a view of the mountain. The sun is setting, displaying a burst of yellow and orange in the sky. There is a bangka (boat) on the lake and a nipa hut (house made of nipa) nearby. Lush trees and plants surround the area.

Simple Pleasures

Jules got home late in the evening so we weren't able to have dinner together. I didn't really mind. I was more anxious to know what happened at the hospital. He said that all the necessary lab tests were done to my mother-in-law and the results will be out in a day or two. We'll be praying for her and hoping that it's nothing serious.

Thank you to everyone who left kind notes and offered prayers. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude in behalf of my family.

Jules didn't forget Valentine's Day. In fact, he went home with wonderful surprises. He knows how much I love baked goods from Becky's Kitchen so he brought home a box of Food for the Gods. Yohan was happy because his Dad gave him Jollibee Kiddie Meal (counterpart of Mc Donald's Happy Meal in the Philippines). You could see Yohan beaming with joy because he loves the green Tyrex that came with meal.

Simple pleasures that mean so much to the heart. Thank you Jules.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day celebration. Take care!

Longing for Good Health

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Jules left the house early. He gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead and greeted me Happy Valentine's Day before he left. He said he will try to be home late this afternoon or early evening. He will take his mom to the hospital for some tests. My mother-in-law was earlier diagnosed with some form of aneurism. I truly hope that the tests wil reflect her true condition so that proper medicines can be given for her quick recovery.

It's really sad when someone in the family is sick. I think that good health is really one of life's greatest blessings that we should always be grateful for.

I don't mind that Jules and I are not together on Valentine's Day. The more important thing is that his mom can take those important tests and hopefully, it can be the start towards full recovery.

Valentine's Day Message

I also wish all my blog friends a Happy Valentine's Day! May you have a romantic day with your loved ones.

Monday Madness

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How nice, Otto used my questions for this week's Monday Madness. Thanks Otto.

1. How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?
My husband and I usually celebrate it a few days before by having dinner in a nice restaurant. This year, Jules is thinking of cooking a special dinner for all of us at home.

2. Name a special gift you received during Valentine's Day.
A homemade card and roses from my husband.

3. Define Love using each letter: L.O.V.E.

L - Learning to accept someone for who they really are.
O - Overwhelming display of care, understanding and love for special people in your life.
V - Valuing the people closest to your heart each and everyday.
E - Embracing each day with your loved ones as if it were your last.

My Cartoon Self

Rose DesRochers of World Outside My Window has shared a cool link that allows you to make your own cartoon portrait. I enjoyed making mine and here's the finish product ...

This icon was made using the Portrait Illustration Maker. I like my cartoon self and decided to put her on my side bar. Thanks Rose!

It's really fun. Give it a try. :)

My Lil' 'McDreamy' :)

Several minutes ago, my 3-yr old son, Yohan asked for milk before taking his nap. He was already very sleepy but I told him to go to the bathroom before taking his nap. I was reading one of my favorite blogs when I noticed that he already finished his milk and his eyes were already closed.

Me: Yohan, don't sleep yet. Go to the bathroom first before taking your nap because you just had milk.

Yohan: (eyes half open) But Mom, I'm dreaming ...

Me: (smiling) Ok, just go for a quick visit to the bathroom and you can continue dreaming later.

Yohan: (with a very reluctant voice) Ohhh, Ok.

I accompanied him to the bathroom and then he went straight back to bed. He was back to sleep in a jiffy. I wonder what his interrupted dream was all about. :)

Nurturing Friendships

Friendships require nurturing - even
when other things in life seem more
important or overwhelming.
The results are worth the effort.
Life's Golden Rules

Spent a nice afternoon with my good friends, Chanda and Jackie. We had a lovely lunch at Friday's. We took advantage of their dessert promo. We ordered one dessert and got another one for free. Literally a sweet deal. :)

It was also the 2nd day of Jackie's work orientation. Congrats girl! Hope you'll enjoy your new job. She had to leave early to make it to the orientation. Chanda was nice enough to take a leave from her demanding work to spend some time with us.

I love spending time with Chanda and Jackie. I can be myself. I told them about my recent worries and I'm overwhelmed by their concern and support. We all have our share of problems and it feels good when you have friends you can share it with. No need for pretences. The understanding comes naturally. Being with close friends is always a nice highlight.

Photo Hunt :: Broken

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It's a beautiful Saturday morning.
How do I start my day?

By making my favorite breakfast.

Break some eggs.

Then make sunny side up eggs.

Happy weekend everyone!

Friday's Feast #9

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Feast One Hundred & Thirty

Appetizer
Have you been sick yet this winter? If so, what did you come down with?
We don't have winter here in the Philippines.

Soup
What colors dominate your closet?
I have lots of pastel colors like baby pink, light blue and lavender. I have many red blouses and shirts, mostly gifts from my mom because it's her favorite color and she says that it suits me. I also have lots of classic white and black.

Salad
How would you describe your personal "comfort zone"?
My comfort zone is being with close family and friends. It's a place
... where love and caring is abundant
... understanding is given and not sought for
... excuses are not necessary
... forgiveness comes naturally

Main Course
On which reality show would you really like to be a contestant?
Probably Amazing Race held in a foreign land. I think it would be fun and challenging to join the race in a different country. It would be a great venue to meet new people and learn about new things about a certain country.

Dessert
Which holiday would you consider to be your favorite?
Christmas because it's a time when family and friends get together to enjoy the season of joy and giving. It's a time when people around the world seem a little more caring and thoughtful than usual.

Smiles of Nature

Take time to appreciate the beauty around you.
Relish the radiance of nature's colors.
They might even bring some inspiration.
Take advantage of these simple things in life.

A Little Thank You Note

Thank you is music to the heart.
Say it more often.

Dero Pedero
I'm so glad when you come over and visit.
I smile knowing you spend a few minutes here.
I feel good whenever you take time to read my words.
You make me so happy when you leave comments behind.

Thank you to all my blog friends for always taking time to share sweet and kind words. It's so nice to meet many interesting people through blogging. Take care and looking forward to getting to know you more.

Yohan's Piece of the Ocean

Yohan and I spent the afternoon making this nice project. We had a wonderful time as you can see.

A Fun Sketch Swap

I visited Rose of World Outside My Window and saw this cool website called Sketch Swap. It lets you draw freely on a blank screen and after you submit a drawing, you will receive a drawing in return. I found the swap idea very interesting and decided to try it.

Sketch Swap rules: We appreciate you sketching sketches! We approve every single sketch submitted before it can be received by others. You can draw anything except: if it's only a writing with no sketch, or writing only your URL, or anything a child wouldn't wanna see, anything completely garbled, just a dot, just a line, just a stick man etc. If you want to write something, you also need to sketch a bit... also, please only write in English so we can understand & approve it.

I drew a simple friendship bear which I submitted to the site.


This was the drawing I got in return.


It's quite amuzing. See the girl at the door? I think she was surprised when she opened the door and saw a man trying his very best to act like a hero even though he's not one. He's probably trying to impress the girl. LoL.

I would love to hear how you interpret this drawing.

Special thanks to Rose for sharing this fun link.

Gifts Galore

Yohan is extremely happy with all his new toys from his Ninong (Godfather) Kirby. Aside from the Power Ranger toy, he also sent Yohan a Batman car, Mr. Freeze car and Thomas and Friends cargo truck (not in the photo).

Yohan is relishing all his new gifts. His dad is thinking of having a wooden cabinet custom built for Yohan's toys. He has accumulated plenty of toys these past few years. I've put placed them on plastic box containers but it would be wonderful if he had nice shelves where he could display his favorite ones.

Power Ranger Mode

Yohan loves Power Rangers. His Ninong (Godfather) Kirby knows that Yohan is a big fan of Power Rangers. Last Christmas, he sent Yohan a Magi Staff (a Power Ranger sword) which made my little boy very happy. A few days ago, Yohan received lots of nice gifts from his Ninong Kirby. One of them was a Power Ranger Solar Cell Morpher. Yohan was ecstatic! My little boy excitedly donned on his blue Power Ranger costume. Armed with his Magi Staff and solar Cell Morpher, he gave his dad and mom a nice Power Ranger performance. :)

Thanks Kirby for being such a generous Ninong to my son. Thank you also for all the nice gifts you sent for me and Jules.

*Saw this cool widget at Toni of Wifely Steps. Thanks Toni for always featuring cool links on your blog.

Monday Madness

This week's questions come from karen. Great questions, Karen!

Before anything else, I'd like to be honest and let you know that I rarely cook. My husband is the chef in our house. I'm hopeless in the kitchen but I'm glad my husband has been gracious enough from the start of our marriage to make the kitchen his domain. But I still think I can answer these questions based on my few cooking attempts. :)

1. What is your favorite main course to prepare?
I'm afraid my cooking prowess only includes side dishes, snacks and desserts but not main courses. LoL.

2. What is your favorite side dish to prepare?
Definitely, mashed potatoes. I love it and it's easy enough for me to make it.

3. Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite?
I love the idea of baking but I haven't done a lot of baking to qualify a "yes" answer. But I remember making caramel tarts. I made it several times for some friends and they loved it.

4. What one dish would you like to learn to cook?
My favorite local dish called Kare-Kare.

Kare-kare is a Philippine stew or curry. Oxtail, with the skin on and cut into 2" lengths and ox tripe are boiled until tender. In some varieties, other meats are used, such as pork or chicken. When the ox parts or meat are tender the soup becomes glutinous and to this is added ground roasted peanuts (or peanut butter), ground roasted glutinous rice to make the soup thicker. Atsuete (annatto) is added to give it color. The basic vegetables for kare-kare are the very young banana bud heart (puso ng saging), eggplant, stringbeans, and pakchoy (pechay). Kare-kare is served hot with special bagoong alamang (sauted salted shrimp fry). source

5. What is your worst cooking disaster?
I tried making lasagna before and it didn't turn out the way I wanted to. I never tried again. :)

I Heart You

I find these heart shaped candies very cute. I love the different colors and the words printed on them. I remember hearing my cousin say I heart you. She's a teenager. :) I guess she means I like you or I love you.
Yohan likes the heart shaped candies too but he doesn't like eating them. haha. I like the candies with the words: Heart of Gold, #1 Fan, Kiss Me and One I Love.

I think every child has a Heart of Gold because they love unconditionally. Their innocent hearts make that possible. Parents are their children's #1 Fan. I'm sure many of you can't deny this especially when you watch your children during their recitals, school programs and various games in sports. Kiss Me, something I look forward from my husband and son everyday. I will always be grateful for having Jules and Yohan in my life because they are the Ones I Love.

I saw this cute ACME Heart Maker and made this cute heart ...


Make your own heart here.

Blog Treasure

I stumbled upon Susan and Janice's blog called 5 Minutes for Mom. It's a very nice and inspiring site. Susan and Janice are hosting a wonderful contest and they are giving away pretty jewelry as prize. Head on over there and give them a visit. Join in the fun and you might just be the lucky one to win a blog treasure.

Photo Hunt :: Gross

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If you remember, the perimeter wall of our village collapsed last year because of the flooding brought about the the super typhoon.

Orange 'blockades' were put there to warn residents of potential danger. The tarpaulin placed previously have been damaged by the strong wind. The village engineers are not yet finished making repairs on the wall so this is what I see when I go out of the front door each day.

I think it's "gross" in my own interpretation because it's an eye sore. I hope it can be fixed during the 1st quarter of this year.

updated: Sorry my entry does not quite fit the theme for this week but it was the best thing I could come up with.

Friday's Feast #8

Join the feast here.
Feast One Hundred & Twenty Nine

Appetizer
What was one of the fashion fads when you were a teenager?
I remember when I was in high school (80s), girls teased their bangs while guys had spiky hair. It was also a time when dresses with shoulder pads were considered cool.

Soup
Name one thing you think people assume about you when they first meet you.
Sometimes people think that I'm a snob. Maybe because I'm generally a shy person and it takes time for me to make friends but when I do, it's usually for keeps.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how hard do you work?
I'm not good with household chores so I only give myself a 5. The maid takes care of most of the chores but I take care of my son's personal needs. My nanny when I was a child is still with me and she helps me take care of my son, Yohan.

Main Course
If you were given a free 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl to sell anything you currently own, what would you advertise?
Probably our old car. I love the idea of selling the old one and using the money for downpayment on a new car.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I love to walk around the village with my hubby and son when it is sunny and cheerful outside.

Funny Sign

Want to make your own funny sign? Click here.

What Kind of Flower Are You?

I saw this at Skittles sidebar and decided to try it. Here's what I got...

I am a Daisy What Flower Are You?

You are just a sweet person. When a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, you are happy to offer yours with a box of tissues as well. Once in awhile, you wish you could be a little more dramatic but then sensibility sets back in and you know that you are perfect the way you are.

My favorite flowers are tulips and sunflowers. I collect many sunflower items, particularly for the kitchen. I have sunflower placemats, curtains, plates, serving spoons, hand towels, divider, ref magnets, etc.

I love receiving flowers. Over the years, Jules has given me roses, orchids, malaysian mums, daisies and sunflower. But I've never received tulips before. I just love seeing tulips at flower shops. I love the vibrant colors of tulips. They are a bit more expensive compared to other flowers because they are imported, usually from Holland. Oh well, maybe someday I'll receive some. :)

Drawing Personality Test

Saw this cool link on Gabrielle's blog. Thanks Gabrielle for always sharing wonderful and interesting sites. I'm always inspired by your ideas.

This is my drawing ...

About my drawing: My family and I are vacationing in a beautiful place. There's a terrific view of twin mountains. It's a perfect sunny day for relaxing. I'm happily reading a book on the hammock while Jules and Yohan are fishing nearby. Bruno, our labrador is also with them.

The results of my analysis say:

You tend to pursue many different activities simultaneously. When misfortune does happen, it doesn't actually dishearten you all that much.
You are a thoughtful and cautious person. You like to think about your method, seeking to pursue your goal in the most effective way.
You are creative, mentally active and industrious.
You have a sunny, cheerful disposition.

Come on, give it a try. It's fun. Let me know when you do. Here's the link below...

What does your drawing say about YOU?

Tagged ::Three Things Meme

I was tagged by Manny of Fr RP to LA 2.0.

Three Things that Scare Me: being alone, sickness and death of someone close to me

Three People Who Make Me Laugh: my brother, Chary and Jackie

Three Things I Love: my family [parents, brother and yaya/nanny who has been with me since I was a baby], hubby and son

Three Things I Hate: people who cross the street when the light is green, poor restaurant service, dirty bathrooms

Three Things I Don’t Understand: people who abuse their own children, abusive pet owners, people who don't know the meaning of proper queuing

Three Things On My Desk: Cup of hot chocolate, Ballpen, Notepad

Three Things I Am Doing Right Now: Answering this meme, Listening to my favorite mp3, Contemplating of going to sleep in a few minutes

Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die: drive on my own, travel to different countries, see my grandchildren

Three Things I Can Do: keep secrets, listen to problems and blog until the wee hours of the morning

Three Things You Should Listen To: parents, siblings and spouse

Three Things You Should Never Listen To: Redundant telemarketers, Politicians, Preachers on a bus

Three Things I’d Like To Learn: Swimming, Boxing and Baking

Three Favorite Foods: Kani Salad, California Makki, Kare-Kare

Three Beverages I Drink Regularly: Water, Coke Light, Tang

Three Books I Read as a Kid: Cinderella, Heidi, Huckleberry Finn

Three people I want to tag: Jo, Gabrielle and Daphne